DOING OUR PART TO HELP KEEP
REDDING THRIVING
An update from CEO Laurie Baker
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Wow, what a ride – the coronavirus has us spinning. I have to say, I never liked those spiny rides even as a child. But here we are, spinning as things change daily. Sometimes an outside perspective helps us realize we are doing better than we might think. Therefore, I’d like to share with our local community how Redding tourism compares to other California destinations…
Tourism all over California is better than expected. Some destinations are getting an increase in staycation activity, others are getting more than normal weekend activity, while others are just now opening their hotels. Some destinations are staying silent when it comes to advertising and others still have active campaigns. Redding is doing quite well by getting more tourism than urban destinations, collecting positive articles published about the area, and campaigning for respectful travel. One piece of news that shows Redding shines above other cities is that fewer businesses have closed due to COVID-19 compared to other communities. Every closed business is devastating, but to have fewer than other cities shows that the term used a couple years ago “Redding Strong” still resonates because we know how to rally around and support one another.
For the Redding CVB, we strive to help local businesses keep their doors open. As local people work through their own financial struggles by pulling back on spending or various reasons, tourists bring new customers to help keep money moving through our existing businesses. Therefore, our team is keeping the Redding brand active with “Travel Responsibly” messaging and images. There is a possibility that we can see leisure tourism transition from two and three-day stays into week-long or ultra-extended trips. With the onset of online learning and remote work forces, there is an opportunity for our local businesses to gain from people staying longer and spending more.
The Redding CVB team is using geo-targeted and interest-targeted mobile campaigns, social media, search engine optimization and traditional media to show Redding’s outdoor opportunities in conjunction with the request to follow COVID safety protocols. The meaning behind our messaging reminds people that to keep services open we’ll need everyone to do their part in following safety procedures. Everyone benefits from a safe community!
Laurie Baker
CEO, Redding Visitors Bureau
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OUR WATER, YOUR WAY!
Marketing campaign highlights water recreation in Redding
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When you have world-class natural attractions in your own backyard, why not spread the wealth? It's not a secret to us locals that Redding offers a variety of waterway access to lakes, rivers and waterfalls -- all of which are popular draws in the peak summer season for visitors. That's why the Redding CVB launched the "Our Water, Your Way" marketing campaign to showcase water recreation opportunities available on a trip to Redding.
Videos, photos and blogs were promoted in the targeted marketing campaign which featured kayaking, standup paddleboarding, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and boating as well as all the places where you can enjoy being in the water in Redding. Watch our video above and see one of our videos or click the link below to see some of the other promoted videos. The campaign also included messaging of safe travel during the pandemic and asking visitors to #LeaveNoTrace when they are out exploring our beautiful outdoor areas.
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REDDING STANDS OUT ON TRIPADVISOR
28 Redding-area tourism affiliates win 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award
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One of the long-standing relationships the Redding CVB has with advertisers is with the nationwide travel site Tripadvisor. Our history of marketing campaigns with the company known for its consumer feedback has brought more exposure to Redding-area locations. And let's just say A LOT of people have liked what they have experienced in Redding...and they all told the rest of the world about it!
A total of 28 attractions, lodging properties and restaurants were recognized as 2020 Travelers' Choice Award winners based on the 2019 Tripadvisor reviews. Quality and quantity of reviews and ratings determine the winners, which are in the top 10% of their industry worldwide in traveler feedback.
We mentioned in our June newsletter how we're working closer with Tripadvisor as part of our pandemic recovery campaign. Accolades such as these make Redding more appealing and give us more tools to market Redding. When we bring visitors to the area, these establishments are hitting it out of the park for consumers! That's a city-wide synergy and team work if you ask us! Congrats to all of the tourism-affiliate award-winners below!
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REDDING IN THE NEWS
Redding gaining more exposure through media outreach
Media outreach is one of the many marketing initiatives of the Redding CVB. When a positive article about Redding appears, it's very likely our team assisted in the publication of the story -- whether it's providing photos, hosting a travel writer or connecting the author to local contacts and experts.
The result of the published work is called "earned media," which is part of our public relations strategy and it appears to the general consumer in a native and organic way. Below are some of the top earned media articles from August.
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Located in Turtle Bay Exploration Park along the Sacramento River, this bridge delivers on its name... |
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Travel Mom Emily Kaufman provides tips on what to see and do when visiting Redding. Fast-forward to the 2:35 mark of video clip)... |
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It’s hard not to like a city with a National Recreation Area named Whiskeytown. Redding in Northern California has ranked a spot on Forbes' list of North America’s Top 10 Trout Fishing Towns, features the iconic Sundial Bridge...
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FAMOUSLY REDDING -- SUNDIAL BRIDGE
Watch the video from one of our marketing campaigns
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Follow the Redding Visitors Bureau on Social Media! |
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